The NFL's annual schedule-release videos have become a fan-favorite tradition, with teams pulling out all the stops to unveil their upcoming matchups in creative ways. But here's a surprising fact: the league doesn't actually require teams to submit these videos for approval beforehand.

"Upon request, the league will review club videos," an NFL spokesperson confirmed. "There's no mandate to submit their videos in advance. The league provides best practices and insights to the clubs during ongoing all-32 club meetings."

This hands-off approach has been the norm for years, but it's not without its risks. Last season, the Indianapolis Colts learned this the hard way when their Minecraft-themed schedule release had to be pulled down quickly—because they hadn't secured permission from Microsoft, which owns the copyright to the popular game.

Now, with the 2026 schedule release just around the corner, teams face an interesting dilemma. This year's rollout comes at a time when the sports world is buzzing about one of the biggest offseason stories in recent memory. Many teams, especially those facing the New England Patriots, are reportedly tempted to make subtle—or not-so-subtle—references to the situation. ESPN's "Inside The NBA" already waded into those waters with a clear and obvious nod, and the sky didn't fall.

Speaking of the Patriots, the Los Angeles Chargers—widely considered the kings of schedule-release creativity—are set to face New England this season. Initially, it was believed the Chargers would steer clear of any controversial references. But after seeing "Inside The NBA" get away with it, team officials might be reconsidering their approach.

For fans, this means we could be in for some truly memorable—and perhaps boundary-pushing—schedule reveals. Whether teams choose to play it safe or push the envelope, one thing's for sure: the NFL's schedule release has evolved from a simple date announcement into a full-blown cultural event. And with no mandatory approval process, the only limit is a team's imagination—and their legal team's comfort level.